The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman

 

Irene had hoped for some rest after her latest mission for The Library where she is a field agent, sent to retrieve books in various Alternates.  But as soon as she arrives and makes her report, she is given another mission, to an alternate London where she is to retrieve a book of Grimm's Fairy Tales that is different than other copies; it has a different story to end on.  Irene takes off with a new assistant, a gorgeous young man named Kai who she isn't sure will be of any help or not.

Irene and Kai arrive to find that the book they are to retrieve has itself been stolen from it's last owner, who was murdered in the process.  Now they must not only locate it but do so before those who are also interested in it can find it.  Their rivals for the book include a representative from the Fae, a rival of Irene's who wants to steal her mission and a rogue agent who now roams the world on the side of evil and who delights in killing agents.  They do pick up an ally, a detective whose logic and bravery helps in their mission.  Oh, and Kai turns out to be a dragon.

This is the first book in the Invisible Library series of which there are currently eight novels.  Irene is a delightful heroine, strong and independent.  The world building could use more work but the magic used is interesting and based on language as one might expect from a world based on books.  Readers will want to read more of Irene and Kai's adventures to see what happens next in this fantastic world.  This novel is recommended for fantasy readers.